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SI nexus -publication of the Salish and Kootenai Tribes
of the Jiathead Indian 'Reservation
Chief Charlo of the Salish VOLUME 17, NUMBER 30
THE TRAPPING MONTH
Chief Koostatah of the Kootenai
DECEMBER 15, 1988
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Char-Koosta News to change format
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Beginning with the next issue, Char-Koosta News will change its format and its focus. The new paper will be printed in a "broad-sheet" style on 15 x 22 newsprint.
The changes are being implemented by Frank Thomas of the Kalis-pell News. "We'll be a general interest newspaper to inform people — both on and off the Reservation — with news and features about this area," he says. "We'll continue to provide full coverage of Tribal and Cultural activities, but we'll add news from other sources."
The editor of the paper will be Michael Umphrey. Umphrey grew up in St. Ignatius and has done freelance writing for the Mission Valley News, the Missoulian and the Fairfield Times, as well as for many magazines. He is the author of two books of poetry, The Lit Window and The Breaking Edge. For the last two years he has been teaching writing at the University of Montana.
"I'd like this paper to help us understand one another," Umphrey says. "We intend to cover cultural and historical topics as well as political issues — aspects of life on this Reservation that have received little attention from the press in the past." The paper will strive for objective and balanced coverage. "Our job is journalistic, not political. I want to give people a chance to express their points of view, but the paper will avoid taking sides."
Along with Umphrey, a new reporter will also be joining the staff. Shannon Burke also grew up in this area — in Arlee. She now lives in Pablo. Burke studied journalism at Haskell College and wrote for the Indian Leader in Lawrence, Kansas.
Char-Koosta News will continue to welcome letters to the editor. All letters must be signed and the editorial staff reserves the right to edit them to fit available space. Brief letters (300 words) have the best chance of getting published.
The new Char-Koosta News will be available by subscription and on newsstands. The Tribe will continue to provide subscriptions for all Tribal members. Non-members can subscribe for $ 14.00 per year in county, $ 16.00 per year in Montana, $22.00 per year out of state, and $40.00 for foreign subscriptions.
Char-Koosta News will also accept advertising from those wishing to reach a Reservation-wide audience. Interested advertisers should contact Stephanie Jacobs, sales manager, at Char-Koosta Printing and Publishing's office in Pablo (675-3000).
With only about 20 percent of the season's snowpack, the USD A Soil Conservation Service reports that snowstorms in the first week of December have increased the current snowpack to nearly double what it was at this time last year.